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Monday, December 21, 2009

It's Christmas! It's Christmas! Are you done shopping yet? I'm NOT. I'm about to hit the streets of Tulsa RIGHT NOW to finish up!

Just a couple things to remember as you head into "crunch" time for the holidays and gift shopping:

1. There is still time to shop online. But, you better do it today! So, you have time for the gifts to arrive, as well as making sure they still have the product(s) you are looking for to purchase. That way, if they don't, you still have a few days to come up with plan B.

2. BE PATIENT! I did a little shopping yesterday and forgot how HECTIC it can be right before the holidays. I must have stood in a checkout line at Kohls for 30 minutes! I was close to bailing and not buying the stuff I had in my hands, because I didn't have the patience anymore to stand there. But, then, I remembered the time of year and that no matter where I go, it is going to be like this, so BE PATIENT!!

3. Don't just buy something to buy something. My dad is a believer of that, because at least then, you have a package to open. But, I dont' want to deal with the hassle of taking it back, etc. So, try to take a breath from feeling "hurried" and figure out what that person would really like to have -or worst case, give them a gift card to their favorite place, so they can pick it out themselves.

4. Scan your Sunday paper circulars, online sites, and additional mailers. Retailers are ALWAYS offering last minute deals, so make sure you are GETTING the best deal in town!

5. Remember the reason for the season! Step back and remember WHY we celebrate this holiday and that should help you slow down a bit. We get a little "crazy" during this time with the baking, the shopping, the gift wrapping, etc. - and we have a tendency to overlook the REAL reason we celebrate this holiday!

Last, but, not least - ENJOY! The holidays only come once a year - don't let them pass you by in a crazed and delirious blur!! (I should really take my own advice!)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I was able to spread the holiday fashion "cheer" with everyone today on News on 6 with Latoya Silmon. It was fun, as ,working with her and the crew from Channel 6. If you saw the segment today, here is the information you are needing for the outfits that we showed on air. If you didn't get a chance to see it, I will try and get a clip from the station to post.

It was a great time! I'm sure I talked 100 miles an hour like I usually do (I haven't watched it)!! But, I hope I helped and gave you some examples to help you sort through your wardrobe when trying to decide what to wear to your various holiday parties this season!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Yippee! The holidays are here! The holidays are here! I'm a FREAK about Christmas! Love it! Love it! Love it! But, with the holidays, also comes additional stress. Or should I say STRESSORS? Everything intensifies around the holidays, errands to run, baking to do, travel plans to make all creates additional stress. You would THINK that is the stress that I'm talking about. But, NO! I'm talking about WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR TO ALL OF THE HOLIDAY PARTIES? I can't possibly wear the same thing to any of them and I have such a variety of parties to go to...work party, neighborhood party, a charity event, oh, the list goes on.

In addition to NOT know what to wear to all these parties, it's the stress of trying to determine what is the dress code for each of these parties. Fortunately, over the years, I've been able to break down translation of the typical dress codes. Here is what I know:

Formal/Black Tie: Long evening gowns or dressy evening coordinates.

Black Tie Optional: Long evening gowns or gives the option that you could wear a cocktail length gown.

Business Formal: Cocktail length dresses that are tailored and more conservative. Can still be accented in fun fabrics, jewel tone colors, or embellishments. Just don't go overboard. Stay classic!

Casual: Take your "everyday" wear up a notch when attending a party. Jeans, skirts, and dresses acceptable, but give them a little festive flair (see below).

Festive: Have fun with it! Sequins, embellishments, metallic threads, and bold colors are all acceptable. "Festive" is typically attached to a dress code such as "festive casual" or "festive cocktail".

Typically, most holiday party dress codes will fall between cocktail and festive. So have fun with it! If it's a business/work party, DEFINITELY be cautious and lean more towards tailored and classic cuts! When you see "casual dress", feel free to come in jeans, but add some holiday flair to them like a velvet blazer or sequined cardigan. Come on, it is the holidays! Personally, I always lean towards festive when attending holiday parties. Why not? It's the only time of year that you can get away with looking like a Christmas tree! (Sometimes literally depending on the Christmas sweater of choice...hee..hee!)

There are many options available in stores right now! Find at least one holiday piece to add to your wardrobe this year. I guarantee it will instantly lift your spirits!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

With the holidays approaching and the tough economy, now, more than ever are consumers being asked to shop local for their gift buying needs. Any time, really, you should put dollars into your own community. But, at this particular time of year and with the economy as a whole there is a HUGE push to keep consumer spending in your local community.

Here is my "secret" for you though: Be prepared to wait and to wait PATIENTLY! I made a couple of stops yesterday to do some "quick" holiday shopping and it turned out NOT to be quick at all! I'm a huge believer in putting money back into your local market and am a proponent of small business. HOWEVER, due to the economy, retailers have needed to make adjustments of their own like CUTTING BACK ON EMPLOYEES.

I won't name the places that I went to yesterday, because I do understand their predicament. I will say it was a big box retailer and a department store, but, that's all I'm going to tell you. It took me FOREVER to find someone to answer a question. Then, once I found my items, I had to try and find an open register. Once I found that, this is where my "PATIENTLY" waiting began...and I waited...and I waited...and I waited!! My quick trip was no longer!

So, like I said, I understand times are a little tough with the economy and retailers are having to do what is necessary, but, they can't forget to meet the needs of the consumers that ARE spending this holiday season. As well as, we, as consumers, need to remember that retailers are doing their best to stay afloat during this economic shift, so they will be around for holidays to come!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

I LOVE this time of year! Everything is so festive! Homes sparkle with lights inside and out...tinsel strewn about....smiles of holiday cheer...it's the perfect time of year!

I, personally, like this time of year, because it gives me an excuse to pull out the sequins! Sequins SCREAMS holiday time and anything sequins is definitely a HOT item this season!

Now, sequins can be overwhelming to many, so make sure you are wearing it appropriately. For example, you don't want to loook like a Christmas tree or an ornament that came right off the tree, so be smart how you WEAR sequins.

Wear only ONE item of sequins at a time. I repeat, only ONE item at a time. Now, that one item could be a dress (like the one above - LOVE IT!) or it could be leggings, shoes, skirt, or a purse. But, do NOT over do! Blow people away with that one statement sequin piece and keep the rest of your outfit more conservative and "quiet".

There are so many sequins pieces to choose from this season at a variety of prices to fit every budget. Don't miss out on this holiday trend! Once you throw on the sequins, you will instantly feel festive and will be ready to celebrate the holidays!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Okay, okay, I know...I was planning to get this to you BEFORE the Thanksgiving holiday, but it's never too late to be thankful. I thought I'd take the holiday that is meant for "giving thanks" and put a fashionable spin on it. It's a "given" that I am VERY THANKFUL for my family, friends and health. That goes without saying! So, why not have some fashion fun on this holiday:

10 Items that I'm thankful for from my closet:(Of course, in no particular order, because how could you possibly pick one over the other..)

1. The Classic White Shirt: This shirt NEVER goes out of style and withstands the test of time. It is one of the most vesatile items in your closet.

2. Pencil Skirt: LOVE the pencil skirt! This, too, will stand the test of time. It works for business or pleasure and has it's own subtle "playfulness" to it.

3. Dark Wash Denim: It's a MUST HAVE for everyone! Two reasons: One, because the dark wash gives you a slimmimg effect. Two, because it is considered a dressier wash and can be easily worn on "casual Fridays" at the office!

4. Black Pants: Make sure it's a wool or poly blend, as it will last longer and a perfect addition to mix and match within your wardrobe.

5. Leopard: I have leopard print flats that I wear ALL THE TIME. It's a perfect finishing touch to any outfit or could be an item all it's own!

6. Tennis Shoes: These are great for when I do make it to the gym and playing with my hubby, stepson, and doggies outside!

7. Cardigan Sweater: This is my "go to" layering piece. It is perfect for those cooler days, as well as an extra layer while you endure the freezing temps of the air conditioner!

8. Long Necklaces: Layer, layer, layer! The more the merrier! I'm really enjoying this trend and love to put them on with anything and everything!

9. A Statement Timepiece: I LOVE the white ceramic watch that my hubby gave me for our wedding! It has true sentimental value. But, make sure, you have at least one watch in your wardrobe that proves to be professional or casual no matter the situation.

10. High Heels: There is something about putting on a great pair of high heels that you feel like you can go out and conquer the world. I LOVE that feeling!

Ah, and the list could go on!! There is so much to be thankful for, big and small! Hope everyone had a FUN Thanksgiving holiday!